Job Description Join East Sussex as a Senior Social Worker in our outstanding SPOA Team and you will embark on a challenging but hugely rewarding career where you will make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families. The team is based in Eastbourne town centre with great access to local amenities and easy walking distance of the railway station. Single Point of Advice is a fast-paced, multi-disciplinary team that is the front door for members of the public and professionals across the county screening all new referrals into Children’s Services and CAMHS - so there’s never a dull moment! You will be at the heart of the decision-making process about how a case is handled with a fantastic opportunity to work closely with mental health colleagues in a genuinely multi-disciplinary environment. The team is comprised of qualified senior social workers, social workers, CAMHS practitioners, senior early help keyworkers and unqualified social work staff. SPOA screens and triages all referrals within 24 hours and makes decisions about where these needs sit on the Continuum of Need and which is the appropriate service for young persons and their families. As a senior social worker you will be part of a dynamic team overseeing and screening referrals and identifying which cases require further consideration and action by a Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and which can be best met through Early Help based support. You Will Be a Social Worker With The Following Communication skills The ability to connect quickly with our most vulnerable families – you’ll relish the opportunity to use your relationship skills. Risk analysis skills which will enable you to make decisions about the best approach, ranging from universal services to early help, to safeguarding. A firm grounding in evidence-based practice and able to keep on top of current theories and research. Ability to supervise and make decisions (must have Practice Educator 1 and 2) We value our social workers, so we offer a highly competitive pay and benefits package. We offer amazing supportive environment with colleagues who really look out and care for each other, supported by experienced and practice-wise managers. And, if you are looking for a family friendly role it’s regular hours too. SPOA works from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday and 4.30pm on a Friday, with the agreement to work one day a week from home, with no out of hours working! About We all know that writing job applications can be challenging and time consuming, so we have streamlined the process as much as possible. Please click the 'apply now' button and upload your CV with a Supporting Statement. The main areas we want you to tell us about are: Your work with children and young people How you communicate with others Your application or research in theory in practice Brief and to the point and with some examples is the way to go! At Interview the main areas we’d like you to tell us about include: Your work with children and young people How you communicate with others Your application of research or theory in practice Your strong social work leadership skills Please download the Job Description & Person Specification for more information. Interviews will take place face to face on Wednesday 8 and Friday 10 October at St Marys House, Eastbourne. Our unparalleled social work education team are dedicated to supporting our social workers grow and develop within and beyond their roles. We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page. For an informal discussion about this opportunity contact Jemma Kavanagh, or Kate Ford, Practice Managers, SPOA on 01323 464222 Please note that these salaries include a time limited market supplement which is subject to review in July 2026 – you can view the basic salary on our Salary Scales page For flexible working 'East Sussex is a very good employer. You’re able to work flexibly around childcare and caring responsibilities and that’s really helpful.' - Charlotte, Social Worker About Us Additional Information This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check or Enhanced check for Regulated Activity with the Disclosure & Barring Services (previously the Criminal Records Bureau). For further information about what is required in this process please go to https://www.gov.uk/dbs-check-applicant-criminal-record. Please note that we require evidence of an overseas police check if you have lived or worked abroad. Your starting salary will be pro rata if the above position is part-time or term-time only. If you require sponsorship to work in the UK please let the hiring manager know this in your application so we can check eligibility for sponsorship for the role. For further information please go to https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas If you require any reasonable adjustments, due to disability, to enable you to participate fully in the process please contact the hiring manager on the contact details above.